Richard Wagner (Leipzig, 1813 - 1883, Venice)
Letter from Palazzo Giustiniani, Campiello Squillini, Venice, 27 September 1858
Ink on paper
Yellow Room
Commentary
During Isabella’s lifetime, German composer Richard Wagner was at the epicenter of the classical music world. Isabella admired Wagner’s work and went to great lengths to see his performances. She traveled many times to Bayreuth, where Wagner hosted an annual music festival, and attended his operas in the United States and Europe. She collected many mementoes related to the musician including this prized autograph letter in Wagner’s own hand. Isabella displayed it in the Musicians Case in the Yellow Room.